CHRISTCHURCH 6, ALTON TN 0

THE striking difference between Alton Town’s home and away form continued as the Brewers shipped ten goals on the road in the space of three days.

Alton have been scoring goals for fun at their new 3G pitch at Anstey Park, where they are unbeaten, but it’s a different story on the muddy, freezing grass surfaces of mid-winter.

The Brewers were beaten 6-0 by promotion-hunting Christchurch in the Sydenhams League (Wessex) Division One, with Luke Stone scoring a hat-trick. Sam Thompson weighed in with two goals and Dave Wrixton was also on target.

Midfielder Wrixton gave Christchurch an early lead, but midway through the first half, there seemed to be very little between the teams.

However, it all changed on the half-hour when Stone set up a tap-in for Thompson and then a defensive mix-up gifted Stone his first goal.

Alton then had a good spell. Danny Turner forced a fine save from Andy Knights and, just after half-time, Adam Wareham hit the post with a good shot.

Thompson’s second goal sealed the points, however, and Stone struck twice more to give Christchurch a rather flattering margin of victory.

Knights made a fine save from substitute Jon Gray’s header and followed up with a superb double stop to deny the Brewers a consolation goal.

Alton, badly missing the pace and goal threat of Luke Perkins, travelled to Team Solent on Monday in the Wessex League Cup, and lost 4-0 to the Premier Division side.

Pat Nolan gave Solent an early lead, but the home side had to wait until the second half to take full control. Two goals from Jesse Waller-Lassen put the tie to bed and Myles Keizer-Burrows added a late fourth goal.

Alton will be relieved to be back home this Saturday, when they entertain New Milton at Anstey Park.